Having just returned from Europe, I’ve acquired a whole new level of appreciation for the American's with Disabilities Act... and a growing list of travel pet peeves. Here are my newest travel horror tales, starting with unbelievable toilet annoyances (check out the pic!).

POTTY PROBLEMS
-Handicapped toilets WITHOUT toilet seats (really, how is that going to work?).
-Handicapped bathrooms DOWN a flight of stairs (the logic escapes me).
-Handicapped facilities with flimsy plastic bars (hold on, but don't use much of your body weight).
-Handicapped facilities that are locked, so you have to find an attendant... while you can't see straight (much less walk straight) because you have to pee so bad!
-Sinks that operate by pressing a foot lever, which is nearly impossible to press with poor balance and coordination.
-Emergency "I've fallen and I can't get up" pull cords in the shower... located at eye level.
-Bathrooms in restaurants located down incredibly steep flights of stairs with no other options.

OTHER ANNOYANCES
-Curb cuts so you can get on a sidewalk, but NO curb cut to get off when you get the end of the block.
-Curb cuts blocked by parked cars and motorcycles.
-Elevators so small that they can't accommodate a single wheelchair... unless you fold it up and stand. Brilliant.
-Wheelchair ramps that lead up to dramatic churches... and a nearly foot-high entry threshold at the top of the ramp that you can't get your wheelchair over.
-Tables in cafes so close together that you have to turn sideways to walk through. Too bad if you have balance issues.
-Romantic cobblestone streets aren't that romantic when you are trying not to trip with every step. Or trying to wheel around without getting motion sick.

Oh, I forgot another, probably because I blocked it out. In Venice, a gentleman from our hotel helped me out of a water taxi. How nice, I thought, and headed to (where else) the hotel restroom. The thoughtful doorman had beaten me there... and was vigorously scrubbing his arms up to his elbows! Sigh. I'm not contageous.

I do not squat so well anymore but that is exactly what you have to do with the Asian squating toilet. This one at least was modern most only have a hose bib and no toilet paper...... which is why you never shake with your left hand.